but many governments have yet to pass laws enforcing the protocol. some developing countries say they can't afford to implement the policies. the apartments participants are into it. >>> have begun 11 days of joint exercises. the drills are taking place near islands at the center of a territorial dispute between china and the philippines. the drills began monday on the western coast of luzon island facing the south china sea. 3,800 personnel are taking part in this year's exercises. that's 800 more than last year. a filipino military leader suggested the numbers reflect a growing security threat in the region. >> and i'm confident that they shall result in the partnership that is enduring that we shall be prepared to face the present and emerging maritime challenges in this part of the region. >> the philippines is engaged in territorial disputes with china over the islands. chinese patrol boats are preventing philippine boats from reaching the shore. >>> australian prime minister hatz urged japan to sign a trade agreement. gillard spoke in sydney to